The Texas Department of Public Safety has designated Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4 as Operation Holiday.

Lieutenant Glen Garrett of Victoria urges all drivers to exercise caution during the holiday period and throughout the summer. Troopers assigned to Texas Highway Patrol and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will be working over the holiday period, Garrett said.

For the last five years the Texas Highway Patrol did not work any fatal collisions in Victoria and surrounding counties over the July Fourth holiday. On July 5 of last year, the day following the holiday period, Henry Allison of Port Lavaca was killed when his bicycle was struck on FM 1090 in Calhoun County.

The Highway Patrol reminds everyone that Texas now requires everyone in the front and rear seat to wear their safety belt. The new booster seat law is now in full effect requiring all children under eight years old and under four feet nine inches tall to be in an approved car safety seat.

Troopers request drivers not to drink and drive, have everyone be properly secured in their safety belt or proper car safety seat, slow down in bad weather and road conditions, pull over to a safe place when using your cell phone, be courteous while you drive and for long trips make sure your vehicle is road worthy.